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The Greatest Amateur Youth Racing Series in the World Teaches Teamwork, Spirit of Competition, and Family Values.

The premier youth and family oriented racing program in the United States comes to McKeesport, as the Soap Box Derby races into town on June 17. More than 30 youth are expected to compete in their gravity-powered racers for a chance to represent the Greater Pittsburgh area at the All-American Soap Box Derby Championship at Derby Downs in Akron. The top three place winners in each age group and division earn college scholarships. Established in 1933, the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) is an American tradition which embraces an official youth initiative.

The McKeesport race is one of 450 races held across the U.S. and overseas this year where participants compete in one of three divisions: stock, super stock, and masters. Drivers in both the stock and super stock divisions range from 8-17 in age. While stock is mainly for beginners who build simplified cars from kits, super stock racers build larger model cars made from larger kits and shells. Masters competitors build a more sophisticated designed-style car from scratch or a kit and are between the ages of 10 and 17. In competition, a derby car can reach speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour depending on the angle of the ramp or hill.

The race will be conducted down Eden Park Blvd. in McKeesport beginning at 9 a.m. and running until the champion is crowned.

Boys and girls can enter by building a car from a kit purchased from the All-American Soap Box Derby and passing a pre-race safety and construction inspection. Participants are required to compete in the Soap Box Derby race geographically closest to where they reside. All race winners in each division automatically earn the right to compete in the All-American race.

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